KILDARE: Man became abusive after being woken up in betting shop by gardaí

A man who became abusive after being woken up in a betting shop in Newbridge was prosecuted at Naas District Court.

Alan Fagan, 31, whose address was given as no fixed abode Cork, was prosecuted for breaching the Public Order Act and possession of a knife on February 16.

Sgt Dave Hanrahan outlined that the gardaí received a call about an incident at the Ladbroke’s bookie office at Main Street, Newbridge.

Sgt Hanrahan said he could not confirm that the knife was a flick knife and the defendant said the knife did not open.

When they got there the defendant was asleep on a chair and “it took some time to rouse him.”

The sergeant told the court the man said “my brother will bury you when he gets his hands on you” and “I’ll slap the head off you when I meet you on the street.”

Solicitor Matt Byrne said there was a small knife in the defendant’s bag, which was not taken out.

The court heard the defendant had previous convictions including one for possession of a knife in addition to breaches of the Public Order Act.

Mr Byrne said the defendant is a chronic heroin addict.

“He’s doing well (but) he has had difficulty getting into a treatment centre,” added Mr Byrne.

The court heard the defendant was intoxicated on the day and he got the knife from someone he was staying with though he had no intention of using it.

Judge John O’Leary commented that there was no excuse for having a knife.

He imposed two three month terms, both of which were suspended for six months.

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